The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is an integral member of the surgical team, working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery.

Surgical Technology Program

The Surgical Technology Program is a 12-month certificate program that offers college credit, beginning in the fall of each year. The program is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and is fully credentialed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completion, students may earn a professional credential by passing a nationally administered certifying examination by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Those who pass the exam become certified and are granted the designation of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Program Requirements

All admission requirements with the exception of prerequisite classes must be completed by June 1. Detailed information about all Health Profesions programs and requirements may be found in the Health Professions Booklet (distributed at a Health Professions Orientation).

Attend a Howard College Health Professions Orientation. A schedule may be obtained by contacting the HCSA Health Professions Division at (325) 481-8371, ext. 435. Orientations will also be announced on the HCSA homepage.

Take a pre-THEA reading test. If needed, HC administers the ACCUPLACER exam. The Testing Schedule is posted on the hCSA website or may be obtained by contacting Student Life & Testing or Student Services.

Complete the required prerequisite courses with a final grade of "C" or above.

Take the Manual Dexterity Test. An appointment must be made with Student Life & Testing at 325-481-8300, ext. 244.

Submit Health Professions Application for the desired program to the HCSA Health Professions Division along with an official transcript indicating high school graduation or proof of GED and an official transcript from each college/university attended including Howard College.

Surgical Technology Prerequisites

Prior to actual admission to the Surgical Technology Program, applicant must successfully complete the required support courses with a final grade of "C" or above. Science prerequisite courses must be completed by the application deadline June 1. Medical Terminology and Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information can be completed by the end of the Summer I semester.

End Of Course Outcomes: Identify and demonstrate principles and practices of aseptic/sterile techniques; explain infectious processes and concepts of wound healing; and create and maintain a sterile field utilizing basic case preparation and procedures.

Course Description: A method of instruction providing detailed education, training and work-based experience and direct patient/client care, generally at a clinical site. Specific detailed learning objectives are developed for each course by the faculty. On-site clinical instruction, supervision, evaluation and placement is the responsibility of the college faculty. Clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences. Course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary. Students may not be substituted for staff personnel while performing clinical program requirements. Students and faculty provided by the institution are not and will not be acting as servant agent or employee of medical facility during program clinical rotations.

End of Course Outcomes: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.

SRGT 2562 Clinical

Course Description: A method of instruction providing detailed education, training and work-based experience and direct patient/client care, generally at a clinical site. Specific detailed learning objectives are developed for each course by the faculty. On-site clinical instruction, supervision, evaluation and placement is the responsibility of the college faculty. Clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences. Students may not be substituted for staff personnel while performing clinical program requirements. Students and faculty provided by the institution are not and will not be acting as servant agent or employee of medical facility during program clinical rotations. Course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary.

End of Course Outcomes: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.